Former New Zealand international Jonah Lomu has seen his Cardiff Blues career cut short by a broken ankle sustained in the Celtic League win over Borders at the weekend.

The winger only arrived at the Arms Park in September on a seven-month contract that ran until the end of the season.

But the 30-year-old, who was due to return to New Zealand at the end of May, will now miss Cardiff’s final four games as he faces yet another injury lay-off.

Lomu’s manager and wife, Fiona, confirmed the news: “Specialists advised that Jonah will be out of action for about six weeks. He then hopes to begin light training.”

The former All Black was trying to resurrect his career in Wales after coming back from a succession of illnesses and injuries that threatened his career, including a serious kidney problem and then shoulder surgery.

“Obviously Jonah is very disappointed. He has worked so hard to get his fitness and his game back during his time in Wales,” Fiona Lomu added.

“This is a set-back for him but injuries like this happen all the time in rugby. Other than the ankle he’s in excellent health and will be focused on getting right and preparing himself for the
NPC season.”

Next season, Lomu will return to play for North Harbour in the New Zealand championship (NPC) although he will now miss the start of their season.

It is another major blow for the giant wing who is trying to again reach the heights of 1995 when he was the most fearsome player on the planet.

Before the ankle injury, Lomu had delivered his most impressive performance yet in the Cardiff shirt as he made his first start since January.

But the New Zealander grimaced with pain as he fell awkwardly under a last-ditch Borders tackle which denied him a try, although he did manage to offload the ball to help his side score their fifth try in a 46-11 victory.